Bigger Than Ever, But Still Wearing That Cheeky Smile
If you’ve ever driven the first, gen Countryman, this will feel like a house on wheels in comparison. The 2024 model has grown to 4.43 meters in length, 1.84 meters in width, and stands 1.66 meters tall. That’s 13 cm longer and 6 cm taller than the outgoing version. It’s inching into the territory of full, blown crossovers like the VW Tiguan, yet the design remains unmistakably Mini. Short overhangs, proud LED matrix headlights, and that iconic grille all scream playfulness, though now more athletic than adorable.
From behind the wheel, that size translates to real, world usefulness. Climbing up into the Countryman, I found visibility excellent, aided by the upright stance and wide windows. Even on narrow forest passes in Süntel, it didn’t feel bloated. But no, this is no longer “mini.” It’s a proper compact SUV now. In fact, you feel the X1 DNA in the way it handles and rides, more on that in a bit.
Inside the Cabin: Clever, Quirky, Questionable
Mini has always leaned into design, and this is arguably its boldest cabin yet. The centerpiece is a 24, centimeter round OLED display that floats above a minimalist dashboard like a techy pancake. It’s beautiful to look at, responsive enough most of the time, and takes care of almost all in, car functions. Unfortunately, the lack of a traditional instrument cluster means this screen carries a heavy load, and at times, it’s just too busy. Even after several hours of driving, I found myself longing for a simple analog speedo.
The materials are a mixed bag. The upper dash, seat fabrics (made from recycled polyester), and the layered ambient lighting all make the cabin feel special. But run your hand along the door armrests and you’re greeted by hard plastics that feel budget, bin. Why Mini didn’t carry the soft, touch materials all the way down baffles me.
Rear space is surprisingly good. I had no complaints from my 6’1” passenger in the back seat, and the sliding, reclining rear bench in the petrol version makes it a solid road tripper. The electric model loses that adjustability, but the legroom remains. Trunk space varies depending on the variant, but we managed to load two mountain bikes (wheels off) with the rear seats down, no need to resort to a bike rack for a weekend in the Süntel hills.
On the Road: Countryman C , Petrol Power With a Punch
The 170 hp Mini Countryman C surprised me. It’s powered by a 1.5, liter three, cylinder turbo engine with mild hybrid support, delivering torque cleanly with an extra shove from the integrated 10 kW electric motor.
In the forest roads near Süntel, where blind crests and hairpins demand responsiveness, the Countryman C proved confident and planted. The steering is light but direct, and there’s that characteristic Mini eagerness in how it dives into corners. This isn’t a soft SUV, it still wants to play.
Acceleration felt strong for the class. Mini claims 0, 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, but the mid, range shove from 60 to 120 km/h was what impressed me most. The little turbo, triple doesn’t run out of breath until you really floor it on the autobahn, where it can sound slightly strained. The dual, clutch gearbox is a bit hesitant on kickdowns, but shifts quickly once it decides on a gear.
On our 130 km mixed loop of rural B, roads, gravel trails, and short highway stints, fuel economy averaged 6.9 L/100 km, not bad, but not stellar either. Still, with a light foot and fewer climbs than Süntel has to offer, it’ll dip closer to 6.2.
John Cooper Works , The Madman in Mini Clothing
I only had about an hour with the JCW, but what an hour it was. This 300 hp all, wheel, drive weapon has zero business being as quick as it is. 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds in a compact SUV is laugh, out, loud good. The exhaust is fake, ish, but the sound pumped into the cabin via Go, Kart mode is so grin, inducing I didn’t care.
In the winding trails of Süntel, the JCW felt far more stable than I expected. There’s a heft to the steering, and the suspension, while firm, never felt punishing. It’s the Mini equivalent of a hot hatch on stilts. Could I live with it daily? Maybe not, but I’d certainly enjoy every commute.
Electric Drive: SE All4 , Silently Devouring Forest Trails
Then came the big twist. The fully electric Mini Countryman SE All4. With dual motors pushing out 313 hp and 494 Nm, this thing rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. It may weigh over two tons, but it doesn’t drive like it. The all, wheel drive system claws into tarmac and dirt alike. You feel every Newton of torque from your toes to your grin.
And yet, despite the drama, it’s whisper quiet. I drove it through a thick fog rolling over Süntel’s moors, the only sound being gravel pinging off the underbody. It’s eerie, serene, and perfect. No gear changes, no engine vibration, just clean and instant thrust.
Range? Mini claims 399, 426 km WLTP. I saw a projected 387 km at 95% charge. After 127 km of spirited driving and elevation gain, I had 58% battery left. That’s not bad at all. Charging maxes at 130 kW DC (10, 80% in about 30 minutes), or 22 kW AC if you’ve got a home wallbox that supports it.
Conclusion: Which Mini Countryman Is the One to Get?
If you live in a city, love design, and want to go electric, the Countryman E is already plenty. If you crave silent power and tackle longer routes, the SE All4 is worth the extra money. If your heart beats for combustion, the base Countryman C is a solid all, rounder, fun enough and frugal, ish. And if you still believe cars should bark, spit, and make your heart race, go for the JCW and forget subtlety.
From the wet fir, lined roads of Süntel to the open curves outside Bad Münder, each version of the 2024 Mini Countryman told a different story. But they all share that stubborn Mini character, playful, bold, and now more practical than ever.
Is the 2024 Mini Countryman really still a Mini?
In badge and character, yes. But physically, it’s now a compact SUV closer in size to a VW Tiguan or BMW X1.
How long does it take to charge the electric Countryman SE?
Using a 130 kW fast charger, it goes from 10 to 80% in around 30 minutes. At home with a 22 kW wallbox, it takes roughly 3, 4 hours.
Is the new Countryman fun to drive?
Yes. Even the entry, level petrol version feels nimble and engaging, with trademark Mini steering and balance. The JCW is pure madness, and the SE All4 offers electric joy with instant torque.
